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How Home DNA Testing Has Redefined?Family?HistoryRootsTech 2021Libby Copeland, author of “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are”With more than 35 million DNA kits sold to people across the world, genetic testing is proving pivotal in redefining how family history is understood. Sometimes, the technology is rewriting what people thought they knew about the lives of their parents, grandparents and ancestors, and even prompting them to revise what they believed about their own origins. In instances in which genetic testing contains surprises for individuals and families, some major categories include:NPEs/MPEs (The discovery that you are not genetically related to one or both parents. NPE stands for “not parent expected” or “non-paternity event.” MPE stands for “misattributed parentage experience.”)Previously unknown siblings Learning one is donor-conceivedLearning one is adoptedLearning one has hidden genetic ancestrySome common language used by those discovering surprises in their genetic origins speak to major themes in these experiences:The lonely boat metaphorA “hole” that’s missingDesire for a sense of rootednessReceiving surprise DNA results, discussing them with family, and reaching out to newfound genetic kin can pose some emotionally fraught and complex situations. The context of history, culture and differing perspectives can help us frame this unique moment we’re in. What can we learn from the wisdom of those who’ve been through this?DNA results can conflict with a family’s “sacred narratives.”Genetic revelations can represent a culture clash between past and present. A “seeker” is sometimes put in the difficult position of being made the messenger of her own existence.Factors like agency/autonomy and differing timelines can be important factors to consider during outreach to genetic kin. For “seekers,” the truth is often incredibly valuable, regardless of how attempts at reunion work out. “Nature versus nurture” can be an overly reductive frame for navigating family relationships. Below is a non-exhaustive list of supportive resources, including mental health professionals, for those discovering DNA surprises, as well as their existing and newfound kin. (It’s not an endorsement of individual people or organizations.)Severance Magazine is a resource for those separated from genetic family, including those discovering this through DNA testing.Right to Know, an advocacy organization, has many resources, including a hotline for those discovering an NPE/MPE.NPE Friends Fellowship provides community and education for NPEs/MPEs.MPE Counseling Collective?offers a directory of mental health professionals who work with people experiencing an NPE/MPE.Genetic counselor?Brianne Kirkpatrick of Watershed DNA writes about DNA discovery and gives guidance and support to individuals and families.The Mariposa Women & Family Center offers virtual?group and individual counseling sessions for MPEs/NPEs.There are also many Facebook groups that exist to support individuals and families in searching for kin and understanding their results. Severance Magazine maintains a long list here.Sign up for Libby’s newsletter at for exclusive content, columns on genealogy, DNA and family, news about upcoming talks and giveaways.DNAtestingstories@Twitter and Instagram?@libbycopelandFacebook @LibbyCopelandAuthor? 2021 Libby Copeland – How Home DNA Testing Has Redefined?Family?History ................
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